Dice keeps on rollin' with new CD
Nov. 7, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Despite the growing success of Kalamazoo blues band Loaded Dice, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist for the group Mark Schwerin isn't planning to give up his day job--at Western Michigan University--any time soon.
A three-year member of the news and communication staff in the WMU Office of University Relations, Schwerin was one of two founders of Loaded Dice in January 1993.
The group recently released its second CD, "You Gotta Roll," with 15 songs, including 11 Dice originals. Schwerin wrote or co-wrote all of the original compositions for "Roll."
Over the years, Loaded Dice has grown to six members, putting out a powerful sound for audiences at numerous festivals, clubs and special events throughout Southwest Michigan. Schwerin shares vocal duties with Joe Ferguson and Marci Linn. Ferguson also contributes on harmonica. Bill Wilson is the group's original bass guitarist, Tom Duffield handles keyboards and Mark "The Shark" Coulson is the drummer.
Loaded Dice has opened shows for Smokey Wilson, Buddy Guy, Big Daddy Kinsey, Lonnie Brooks, Long John Hunter and Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials.
Known for superlative vocals and rock-solid musicianship, Loaded Dice's reputation has spread across Michigan and the Midwest. An "unplugged" version of the band released a self-titled CD in 1998, earning glowing reviews in several national publications including Blues Revue and Blues Access.
"You Gotta Roll," by Loaded Dice is available at select Kalamazoo area music outlets including CD Warehouse, Jungle Cafe, Music Express and Music Galaxy and at Old Hat in Lawton, Mich.
Media contact: Thom Myers, 616 387-8400, thomas.myers@wmich.edu